Pramesh S Jain
The High Court of Karnataka has issued notice to the Director General of Police,the Home Secretary and the ADGP (Recruitment) seeking their response to a petition filed by 109 Police Sub-Inspectors challenging the 2022 transfer rules framed by the State Police Department.
Hearing the petition filed by K.S.Satish and others, Justice H.T.Narendra Prasad,sitting as a single-judge bench,on Thursday posted the matter for further hearing next week after counsel for the petitioners sought time.
The petitioners have contended that the 2022 transfer rules adversely affect their seniority and promotional prospects.
According to the rules,if a PSI seeks transfer on personal request to another unit within the same cadre,he or she would lose previously earned seniority and be treated as the junior-most officer in the new unit.
The petitioners argue that this provision forces even senior officers to rank below their juniors,severely impacting career progression and promotional opportunities.
They have further contended that the rules are contrary to the Karnataka State Civil Services Act,1978,and violate constitutional principles of equality.
Under the 2004 recruitment rules,transfers did not affect seniority,the petition states,adding that the new rules deprive officers of promotions that should be granted based on merit and seniority.
The court has sought replies from the respondents and adjourned the matter to next week for further hearing.
